Package For Lathering A Personal Care Product

ABSTRACT

A package for lathering a liquid personal care product, the package comprising: (a) a body for grasping with a user&#39;s hand, wherein the body comprises a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape; and (b) an applicator comprising a skin-contacting portion, wherein the skin-contacting portion comprises a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectional shape; wherein each of the first cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape comprises a major dimension oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension oriented along a second axis, and wherein the major dimensions are greater than the minor dimensions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/072,492, filed Mar. 31, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to packages for lathering a liquidpersonal care product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Liquid personal care products are available in a wide variety ofpackages, including bottles, jars, tubes, and cans. Liquid personal careproducts meant for application to the skin are traditionally dispensedfrom a container onto users' hands and then applied to the skin by hand.Examples of such products include lotion, facial cleanser, and shavingcream. This application method however can be messy, and that portion ofthe product that does not get transferred from users' fingers is wasted.

Few liquid personal care products on the market have applicators orlathering aids. While patents relating to brush attachments for shavingcream in traditional aerosol cans do exist, there are no well-knownlathering aids for shaving cream currently available for consumerpurchase. U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,992 (Kavoussi) (the “'992 patent”) is anexample of a conventional aerosol shaving cream container with a shavingbrush attachment. The '992 patent is believed representative of theprior art: the container is cylindrical and the shaving brush attachmenthas a cylindrical fan shape that is rounded at the top. This sort ofapplicator may not work well to lather product onto smaller skin areas,such as the space between the nose and upper lip; an applicator with ashape other than cylindrical may work better. But, if the shape of theapplicator is not cylindrical, it may be hard for the user to view theorientation of the applicator, particularly when the applicator containsfoamed product and is placed against the skin. Accordingly, there is aneed to inform users of the orientation of the applicator as they holdit close to the skin.

To solve these problems, a package with skin-friendly dispensing andlathering capabilities may be used to apply and lather product directlyonto the skin. There is a desire to develop a package that allows theproduct to be dispensed directly from a container onto the skin. A needexists for a container that better fits into a user's hand. The packagemay comprise a displacement member located remote from the portion ofthe package that contacts the skin. There exists a need for aflow-restricting member to keep water and other impurities out of thedispenser and container as well as prevent the product from flowing outof the container unless force is consciously exerted on the container todispense the product. Also, a need still exists for an applicator andcontainer that are ergonomically designed to lather product on variousskin areas. As a result, if an applicator and/or container are not thetraditional round shape, a need exists to inform the user of thepositioning of the applicator in relation to the positioning of thecontainer so the user may better line up the applicator with the area ofskin to be lathered. These are all objects of the present invention;embodiments of the present invention may combine various objectsmentioned. A particular embodiment may, but need not, embody everyobject of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a package for lathering a liquidpersonal care product. A first exemplary embodiment comprises a body forgrasping with a user's hand, wherein the body comprises a horizontalplane defining a first cross-sectional shape. The embodiment alsocomprises an applicator comprising a skin-contacting portion, whereinthe skin-contacting portion comprises a horizontal plane defining asecond cross-sectional shape. Each of the first cross-sectional shapeand the second cross-sectional shape comprises a major dimensionoriented along a first axis and a minor dimension oriented along asecond axis, wherein the major dimensions are greater than the minordimensions.

A second exemplary embodiment comprises all of the elements of the firstexemplary embodiment. In addition, the body is flexible, resilient, andinwardly deformable along its second axis in order to urge a volume of aliquid personal care product from within the body to the skin-contactingportion.

A third exemplary embodiment comprises all of the elements of the firstexemplary embodiment. In addition, the body comprises a body cavity. Theembodiment comprises a flexible bag, wherein the flexible bag isfillable with a liquid personal care product, and wherein the flexiblebag fits within the body cavity. The embodiment also comprises adisplacement member associated with the body that is inwardly moveablein order to urge a volume of a liquid personal care product from withinthe flexible bag to the skin-contacting portion.

A fourth exemplary embodiment comprises, in addition to the features ofthe first embodiment, a package in which the body further comprises anoutlet for dispensing a liquid personal care product, wherein theapplicator is in fluid communication with the body outlet. The firstcross-sectional shape orientationally corresponds to the secondcross-sectional shape so that as the body is manipulated by a user'shand, a user can be assured that the skin-contacting portion is orientedas intended on the skin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the samewill be better understood from the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top portion of a first exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, taken along the line I-I.

FIG. 4 is a view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the top portion of theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, taken along the line II-II.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, taken along the line III-III.

FIG. 9 is a view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the top portion of theembodiment shown in FIG. 6, taken along the line IV-IV.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the top portion of the embodiment shownin FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional, perspective view of theembodiment shown in FIG. 8, taken along the line V-V.

FIG. 13 is a view of the top portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

FIGS. 14 a-f are examples of cross-sectional shapes the package maycomprise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of illustrative and preferredembodiments. It is to be understood that the scope of the claims is notlimited to the specific ingredients, methods, conditions, devices, orparameters described herein, and that the terminology used herein is notintended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in thespecification, including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particularnumerical value includes at least that particular value, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. When a range of values is expressed,another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to theother particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent basis “about,” it will beunderstood that the particular values form another embodiment. Allranges are inclusive and combinable.

All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of the totalcomposition, and all measurements made are at 25° C., unless otherwisedesignated.

The packages of the present invention can comprise, consist of, andconsist essentially of the features of the invention described herein,as well as any of the additional or optional ingredients, components,steps, or limitations described herein.

The term “latherable” as used herein refers to a liquid personal careproduct that is able to form a foam or froth when agitated or spreadonto the skin. The liquid personal care product may lather by entrappingair, by comprising a surfactant-type substance, or by another meansknown to those of ordinary skill in the art. Water addition may or maynot be necessary to obtain a foam or froth, but it may enhance benefitsor results depending on the type of product used. Agitation or spreadingmay be by hand, but is preferably by applicator. Agitation or spreadingmay be rapid or slow, and may comprise irregular and regular movements.

The term “lathering” as used herein refers to the act of agitating orspreading onto the skin a liquid personal care product to produce a foamor froth. For instance, a product may be dispensed as a gel and thenlathered into a foam. If a product is already in the form of a foam orfroth when dispensed from its package, lathering may comprise spreadingproduct onto the skin to cover an area of skin.

The following exemplary packages further describe and demonstrateembodiments within the scope of the present invention. The examples aregiven solely for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construedas limitations of the present invention as many variations thereof arepossible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all suchchanges and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

A first exemplary package 100 is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1illustrates the top portion of package 100, comprising a body 102, andan applicator 124. Body 102 is able to be grasped with a user's hand; itcomprises a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape 104.Cross-sectional shape 104 comprises a major dimension 106 oriented alonga first axis and a minor dimension 108 oriented along a second axis.Body 102 may be provided in a variety of forms or shapes and may be madeof various materials. Examples of suitable plastic materials includehigh density polyethylene (“HDPE”), low density polyethylene (“LDPE”),polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), polypropylene (“PP”), polyvinylchloride, polycarbonate, nylon, and fluorinated ethylene propylene. Body102 may be made via a number of processes known in the art, such as blowmolding, injection molding, and the like. Body 102 may be comprised oftransparent, translucent, or opaque materials, or it may be comprised ofa combination of materials with these properties. In a preferredembodiment, body 102 is opaque and made of thermoplastic resin via anextrusion blow molding process. In other embodiments, body 102 may betransparent to show unique color, texture, pattern, or inclusions of aliquid personal care product; for example, moisturizing beads or whitecolor to signify suitable for use on sensitive skin.

Many prior art packages have applicators which are attachable, but notintegral to the package. Applicator 124 may be attachable or removeablyattached to body 102, such as with screw-threads, a snap-fit collar, orthe like. In a preferred embodiment, applicator 124 is integral withbody 102, which means that the applicator is assembled with the bodyduring manufacturing and is not intended to be removed by a consumerduring the product lifetime. Applicator 124 comprises a skin-contactingportion 126 comprising a horizontal plane defining a secondcross-sectional shape 128. Cross-sectional shape 128 comprises a majordimension 130 oriented along a first axis and a minor dimension 132oriented along a second axis. Skin-contacting portion 126 may comprisebristles, a sponge, a loofah, a shower puff, or another material orcombination of materials that is capable of lathering a liquid personalcare product. Skin-contacting portion 126 may be rinsed after use.

In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of skin-contacting portion126 is designed to fit between a user's nose and upper lip. As such,minor dimension 132 of skin-contacting portion 126 may be less than orequal to about 0.75 inches. In another embodiment, minor dimension 132of skin-contacting portion 126 may be less than or equal to about 0.5inches. In a preferred embodiment, major dimension 130 ofskin-contacting portion 126 is less than or equal to about 1.5 inches.Major dimension 130 and minor dimension 132 may vary depending on thepart of the skin skin-contacting portion 126 is meant to contact. Forexample, dimensions 130, 132 may be larger if skin-contacting portion126 is meant for users' legs, or smaller if skin-contacting portion 126is meant for users' underarms or bikini area.

In one embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 2, major dimension 106 of body102 substantially aligns with major dimension 130 of skin-contactingportion 126. Also as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first cross-sectional shape104 and second cross-sectional shape 128 are in vertical alignment. Inother embodiments, cross-sectional shape 104 and cross-sectional shape128 may not be in vertical alignment. For example, skin-contactingportion 126 may be offset from body 102 so that skin-contacting portion126 is not positioned vertically above body 102, but rather extends fromthe side of body 102. Skin-contacting portion 126 may also extendhorizontally from body 102, or from any angle in between;skin-contacting portion 126 may be fixed at a certain angle or it may beadjustable by users. Cross-sectional shapes 104, 128 of body 102 andapplicator 124, respectively, may take different forms. In variousembodiments, as shown in FIGS. 14 a-f, first cross-sectional shape 104and second cross-sectional shape 128 may be oblong circles, squares, ortriangles; further exemplary shapes include teardrop and pear. Theshapes 104, 128 may substantially match or not match. For example, inone embodiment, cross-sectional shape 104 may have an oval shape whilecross-sectional shape 128 may have a teardrop shape. Cross-sectionalshapes 104, 128 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. FIG. 1 illustratescross-sectional shape 104 and cross-sectional shape 128 as symmetrical,oblong circles. In further embodiments, package 100 may comprise morethan two distinct cross-sectional shapes.

Referring to FIG. 3, body 102 has an outlet 112 that is in fluidcommunication with applicator 124. Body 102 comprises a flat surface 114that package 100 rests on when it is not in use. In a preferredembodiment, the bottom portion of body 102 may comprise a lower gasket116, an umbrella valve 118, and a bottom or bottom plate 120. Lowergasket 116 is preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”) andbottom plate 120 is preferably made of PP. It should be noted that theseaforementioned features, as well as other features described throughout,are not limiting on the scope of the appended claims where such featuresare not explicitly recited.

FIG. 4 illustrates applicator 124. In one embodiment, skin-contactingportion 126 extends to a first height 134 from applicator base 136,wherein first height 134 is equal to the highest point ofskin-contacting portion 126. In other embodiments, skin-contactingportion 126 may extend to various heights in various zones, so there maybe more than one height of interest. In a preferred embodiment,applicator base 136 is made out of PP and comprises a plurality of fiberreceiving holes 140 to receive fibers 142 to form skin-contactingportion 126. Applicator base 136 comprises an orifice 144 to enabledispensing of product onto skin-contacting portion 126. To preventdispensed product from getting stuck in the bottom half ofskin-contacting portion 126 or clogging outlet 112, one or moredispensing conduits 146 help direct the product to a preferred locationwithin skin-contacting portion 126. This makes more efficient use of theproduct because more product is available for lathering onto the skinrather than filling up the lower portion of skin-contacting portion 126.FIG. 4 shows dispensing conduit 146 having a proximal end 148 and adistal end 154. Proximal end 148 has an inlet 150 that is in fluidcommunication with outlet 112 of body 102 and a compression seal 152. Ina preferred embodiment, a sufficient length of dispensing conduit 146extends into skin-contacting portion 126, with distal end 154 locatedsomewhat close to a surface that contacts the skin, thereby dispensingmore product closer to the skin. However, dispensing conduit 146 shouldnot extend too far into skin-contacting portion 126 or it might tooaggressively contact or scratch a user's skin when in use. As such, inone embodiment, distal end 154 extends from applicator base 136 to asecond height 156 that is less than first height 134 of skin-contactingportion 126. In this configuration, distal end 154 may still contact auser's skin during use, but desirably not to the point of causingsignificant irritation to one's skin. Dispensing conduit 146 may becomprised of a variety of materials. For example, dispensing conduit 146may be made of hard plastic and precautions may be taken by themanufacturer or user to prevent dispensing conduit 146 from contactingthe skin and causing discomfort, scratches, or injury to the skin.However, in a preferred embodiment, dispensing conduit 146 is made of asofter material; one exemplary material is TPE.

A safety cap 158 may be provided to cover dispensing conduit 146. Safetycap 158 prevents damage or disfigurement to skin-contacting portion 126and it may also prevent leakage of product from dispensing conduit 146.In a particular embodiment, safety cap 158 is a temporary cover and maybe removed and discarded by the consumer after purchase. In a preferredembodiment, safety cap 158 is made of PP.

Package 100 optionally comprises an over cap 176 that is removeablyattached to body 102 or applicator 124. Over cap 176 may comprise anouter ring 178 to compress safety cap 158 and an inner ring 180 tocontain safety cap 158. In a particular embodiment, a ledge 182 on overcap 176 allows over cap 176 to snap into a notch 110 of body 102. Overcap 176 may also comprise a flat surface 184, allowing package 100 to beinverted, thus resting on flat surface 184 when not in use. In oneembodiment, over cap 176 is made of PP.

In particular embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, a valve 186 may bedisposed between body 102 and applicator 124. In a preferred embodiment,valve 186 comprises an upper gasket 188 made of TPE or rubber, and atransition piece 190, a one-way valve 192, and a valve cover 194, allthree made of PP.

Some embodiments of the present invention may employ one or moreflow-restricting members 160 associated with dispensing conduit 146. Ina preferred embodiment, flow-restricting member 160 is positioned at ornear distal end 154 of dispensing conduit 146. Flow-restricting member160 acts to inhibit and/or prevent water from entering dispensingconduit 146, while also preventing product from flowing out of packageunless force is consciously exerted on a displacement member to dispensethe product. Dispensing of the product may then be more accuratelycontrolled and unwanted dispensing of the product may be substantiallyprevented.

“Flow-restricting member” 160 as used herein means any of numerousmechanical devices by which the flow of a liquid personal care productmay be started, stopped, or regulated by a movable part that opens,shuts, or partially obstructs one or more ports, orifices orpassageways. Flow-restricting member 160 may be manually openable orpressure activated. Flow-restricting members 160 may be any valve knownin the art including but not limited to bi-directional, uni-directional,duckbill, claw, umbrella, cross-slit, and slit valves.

In one particular embodiment, flow-restricting member 160 has at leasttwo opposing members 162, wherein members 162 converge into a closed orsubstantially closed state, and diverge into an open state. Members 162are biased to the closed state to inhibit and/or prevent water orimpurities from entering and clogging dispensing conduit 146, or toinhibit contamination or dilution of the product within dispensingconduit 146 or body 102. For example, a user may rinse skin-contactingportion 126 under running water after use; the water can clog dispensingconduit 146 or dilute or contaminate the product if it gets inside body102. Another reason members 162 are biased to the closed state is toprevent unwanted leakage of the product if package 100 is inverted whilenot in use. Members 162 may be forced into the open state when a volumeof product is communicated from body 102 through dispensing conduit 146in response to manual forces being applied to a displacement member.Flow-restricting member 160 returns to its closed position upon removalof the manual displacement forces which results in stopping thedispensing of the product through dispensing conduit 146.

In another particular embodiment, flow-restricting member 160 comprisesa slit valve 164. “Slit valve” 164 as used herein means a valve whosemembers are formed from incision(s) that have a closed and open positionas described above. Preferably, slit valve 164 is made of a relativelyflexible material, such as silicone rubber, polyvinyl chloride,urethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, styrene-butadiene copolymer, and othermaterials known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In oneembodiment, slit valve 164 is made of silicone. The stiffness of slitvalve 164 in one embodiment is sufficient to prevent the slit fromopening under the hydrostatic pressure of a liquid personal care productwhen package 100 is placed in an inverted position.

Body 102 may contain a liquid personal care product. Alternatively, body102 may comprise a flexible bag 122 to contain a liquid personal careproduct; flexible bag 122 fits within body 102 and acts as a bladder. Ina preferred embodiment, flexible bag 122 attaches to transition piece190. Flexible bag 122 may be made out of HDPE, LDPE, mylar film, orother suitable material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Package 100 comprises a means to dispense a product contained withinpackage 100. In one embodiment, body 102 is flexible and resilient, andit is inwardly deformable along its minor dimension 108 in order to urgea volume of a liquid personal care product from within body 102 toskin-contacting portion 126.

In other embodiments, package 100 comprises a displacement member 166that urges the product out of body 102 and onto skin-contacting portion126. Displacement member 166 may be located away from skin-contactingportion 126 to allow product to be manually dispensed by the user whileskin-contacting portion 126 is in contact with the skin. In a preferredembodiment, such as in FIG. 2, displacement member 166 comprises atleast a portion, or sidewall, of body 102; wherein the sidewall (notshown) of body 102 is flexible, resilient, and deformable along itsminor dimension 108. In one embodiment, two sidewalls are located alongeither side of body 102 along major dimension 106. In anotherembodiment, displacement member 166 is a piston (not shown) that isvertically moveable upward from bottom 120 of body 102. In oneembodiment, the piston or similar member may extend partially withinbody 102 to dispense a liquid personal care product. A further exampleof displacement member 166 is a trigger, as shown in FIGS. 6-12 anddiscussed more fully below.

A second exemplary package 200 is shown in FIGS. 6 to 13. Package 200has many of the same features as package 100; most features are numberedconsistently between the two, with a difference in the hundreds numeral,for example, body 102 of package 100 vs. body 202 of package 200. Thedescriptions, dimensions, and variations of the features of package 100may be applied to the corresponding features of package 200 discussedbelow, unless otherwise noted.

In a preferred embodiment, body 202 is opaque and made of thermoplasticresin via an extrusion blow molding process.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict package 200 comprising a body 202 and an applicator224. Body 202 of package 200 comprises a horizontal plane defining afirst cross-sectional shape 204. First cross-sectional shape 204comprises a major dimension 206 oriented along a first axis, and a minordimension 208 oriented along a second axis, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.Applicator 224 comprises a skin-contacting portion 226, whereinskin-contacting portion 226 comprises a horizontal plane defining asecond cross-sectional shape 228. Second cross-sectional shape 228comprises a major dimension 230 oriented along a first axis and a minordimension 232 oriented along a second axis, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.In a preferred embodiment, major dimension 206 of body 202 substantiallyaligns with minor dimension 230 of skin-contacting portion 226, andfirst cross-sectional shape 204 and second cross-sectional shape 228 arein vertical alignment. Also in a preferred embodiment, package 200 hasfirst cross-sectional 204 and second cross-sectional 228 shapes that aresymmetrical, oblong circles. Body 202 comprises a flat surface 220. In apreferred embodiment, body 202 comprises an upper body 210 and a lowerbody 216.

FIG. 9 illustrates body 202 having an outlet 214 that is in fluidcommunication with applicator 224. Upper body 210 comprises a notch 212,where an optional over-cap 276 snaps on. Lower body 216 comprises a bodycavity 218, wherein a flexible bag 222 fillable with a liquid personalcare product fits within body cavity 218. FIG. 9 also illustrates adispensing conduit 246, a flow-restricting member 260, a displacementmember 266, and optional valve 286 of package 200.

As seen in FIG. 10, skin-contacting portion 226 of applicator 224extends to a first height 234 from an applicator base 236. In apreferred embodiment, applicator base 236 comprises a plurality of fiberreceiving holes 240 that receive fibers 242 to form skin-contactingportion 226. Applicator base 236 comprises an orifice 244 to enabledispensing of product onto skin-contacting portion 226.

FIG. 11 illustrates dispensing conduit 246, and its proximal end 248 anddistal end 254. Proximal end 248 has an inlet 250 and a compression seal252. Distal end 254 has a second height 256. A safety cap 258 may beprovided to cover dispensing conduit 246 and prevent leakage.Flow-restricting member 260 is associated with dispensing conduit 246.In a preferred embodiment, flow-restricting member 260 comprisesopposing members 262. In other embodiments, flow-restricting member 260comprises a valve, such as a slit valve 264.

In particular embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9-11, a valve 286 may bedisposed between body 202 and applicator 224. In a preferred embodiment,best seen in FIG. 10, valve 286 may comprise a stationary piston 288, acompression spring 290, a collar 292, a ball 296, and a one-way valve298. In one embodiment, stationary piston 288 and collar 292 are made ofPP, while compression spring 290 and ball 296 are made of stainlesssteel.

FIGS. 8-12 depict displacement member 266 which is associated with body202. Displacement member 266 is inwardly moveable in order to urge avolume of a liquid personal care product from within flexible bag 222 toskin-contacting portion 226. In a preferred embodiment, displacementmember 266 is a trigger 268 that is depressible along body's 202 majordimension 206. In one embodiment, a rib 272 from upper body 210 lockstrigger 268 in place. In FIG. 11, a trigger holder 274 extends offapplicator base 236 to hold trigger 268 in place; trigger 268 has twoarms which hug the collar 292. Two L ribs 270 and the tail of trigger268 are visible in body cavity 218, as seen in FIG. 12. L ribs 270 areoptional; their purpose is to prevent trigger 268 from damaging orpinching flexible bag 222. In operation, trigger 268 displaces a movingcylinder 294 which in turn displaces a volume of the product fromflexible bag 222 to skin-contacting portion 226. In a particularembodiment, trigger 268, L ribs 270, rib 272, trigger holder 274, andmoving cylinder 294 are made of PP.

FIGS. 9 and 13 best show an optional over cap 276 that is removeablyattached over applicator 224. Over cap 276 comprises an outer ring 278to compress safety cap 258 and an inner ring 280 to contain safety cap258. A ledge 282 on over cap 276, visible in FIG. 9, allows over cap 276to snap into notch 212 of body 202. Over cap 276 may also comprise aflat surface 284, allowing package 200 to be inverted, thus resting onflat surface 284 when not in use.

It is contemplated that the package 100,200 of the present invention mayinclude alternate mechanisms for dispensing the personal carecompositions of the present invention. These include electronic pumps,manual pumps, screw-containing mechanisms, aerosols, pressurized gasses,trigger pumps, and the like. One of ordinary skill would readily be ableto integrate the mechanism for dispensing the personal care compositioninto the present invention.

In an exemplary method of use, after obtaining package 100,200, a usermay remove optional over cap 176,276 and safety cap 158,258. Ifpreferred, the user may wet skin-contacting portion 126,226. The usermay then hold skin-contacting portion 126,226 against the desired skinsurface and deform body 102,202 or move displacement member 186,266inwardly. In response, an amount of product is forced out of package100,200 via dispensing conduit 146,246 to skin-contacting portion126,226. As the user moves skin-contacting portion 126,226 around on theskin surface, the product dispensed is lathered by skin-contactingportion 126,226. In an example where the product is a shave prepcomposition, the user may create a lather with skin-contacting portion126, 226, then use a razor to shave the prepared area. In an examplewhere the product is a facial or body cleanser, skin-contacting portion126,226 may be used to exfoliate and cleanse the skin while creating alather. In particular embodiments, when the first axes of body 102,202and skin-contacting portion 126,226 are in alignment, the user may moreeasily determine the orientation of skin-contacting portion 126,226because body 102,202 visually intimates the positioning ofskin-contacting portion 126,226. This may be important, for example, ifa user is trying to lather the area between the nose and upper lip.

Packages 100,200 of the present invention may contain a wide variety ofliquid personal care products, preferably those that are latherable byskin-contacting portion 126,226. Exemplary product forms include gels,creams, foaming and non-foaming liquids, mechanically pumpable liquids,non-aerosol gels, aerosol gels, aerosol foams, pastes, serums, andsprays. Examples of suitable products to be contained in body 102,202 orflexible bag 122,222 include body wash, body lotion, facial cleanser,facial lotion, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shave gel or cream, selftanner, nail polish, nail polish remover, and other personal careproducts. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid personal care product isa shave prep composition. The following six examples of shave prepproducts are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are not tobe construed to limit scope of the present invention as many variationsthereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ingredient Base Base Base Base BaseBase Water QS QS QS QS QS QS Palmitic Acid 7.75 6.0 0 0 6.0 0Triethanolamine 6.05 4.7 8.76 8.76 4.7 8.76 Stearic Acid 2.6 2.0 0 0 2 0Myristic Acid 0 0 14.0 14.0 0 14.0 Mineral Oil kaydol 0 0 0 0 1.5 0Glyceryl Oleate 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 2.5 1.5 Sorbitol (70% solution) 1.0 1.00 0 0.5 0 Hydroxyethylcellulose 0.5 0.3 0.75 0.75 0.3 0.75 PolyoxWSR-301 (PEG-90M) 0.06 0.06 0 0 0.06 0 Polyox WSR-N-12K (PEG-23M) 0.050.05 0 0 0.05 0 Sodium Myristoyl Sarcosinate (30%) 1.0 0 6.67 6.67 06.67 Polymer LR30M cationic 0.1 0.2 0.45 0.45 0.2 0.45 Fragrance 0.850.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 PVP K60 (45% solution) 0 0 0.49 0.49 0 0.49Glycerin 0.5 1.5 8.5 8.5 0.5 8.5 Colorant 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.0020.002 Parts of Base Mixed w/Lathering 97.15 97.15 96 97.15 97.15 100Agent Volatile Lathering Agent 2.85 2.85 4.0 2.85 2.85 0

The above examples can be made as follows: Mix the water with glycerinand then add to this mixture a pre-blend of the LR30M andhydroxyethylcellulose powders. For formulas containing sodium myristoylsacrosinate, add this component next. For formulas containing PVP K60,add this component next. Mix until homogeneous and start heating. Stopmixing, and then add the fatty acids. When the temperature reaches 75°C., add triethanolamine and mix for approximately 10 more minutes. Coolto less than 35° C., and then add the fragrance and colorant. Forexample 6, store in closed container until it is charged into anappropriate dispenser. For examples 1-5, combine the base compositionwith the lathering agent and charge the mixture into containers orpackages capable of containing volatile agents.

As noted above, the applicator or skin-contacting portion thereof maycomprise a number of different materials and material forms, such as,bristles, foam pads, sponges, etc. Regarding the use of bristles,material and physical properties of bristles can impact skin feel andlatherability, for example. Table 1 and the following discussionillustrate this notion.

TABLE 1 (Dimensions are in inches) Bristle Bristle BristleSkin-Contacting Skin-Contacting Material Diameter Length Major DimensionMinor Dimension Nylon 0.006 0.68 1.12 0.73 Nylon 0.008 0.55 1.12 0.73Nylon 0.006 0.7 1.17 0.73 Nylon 0.008 0.54 1.17 0.73 Nylon 0.008 0.651.19 0.66 Nylon 0.008 0.55 1.19 0.66 Nylon 0.003 0.7 1.18 0.73 Nylon0.004 0.7 1.18 0.73 Nylon 0.003 0.5 1.18 0.73 Nylon 0.004 1.0 1.18 0.73Silicone 0.06 0.53 0.73 0.63Consumers perceived the nylon bristles having a bristle diameter of0.006 or 0.008 inches to be too stiff, and nylon bristles having abristle diameter of 0.003 or 0.004 as being in the right range forsoftness. Bristles having a “mid-length” (that is those of 0.7 inches)were preferred for stiffness over those that were shorter or longer.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A package for lathering a liquid personal care product, the packagecomprising: a body for grasping with a user's hand, wherein the bodycomprises a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape; andan applicator comprising a skin-contacting portion, wherein theskin-contacting portion comprises a horizontal plane defining a secondcross-sectional shape; wherein each of the first cross-sectional shapeand the second cross-sectional shape comprises a major dimensionoriented along a first axis and a minor dimension oriented along asecond axis, and wherein the major dimensions are greater than the minordimensions.
 2. A package according to claim 1, wherein the first axis ofthe body substantially aligns with the first axis of the skin-contactingportion.
 3. A package according to claim 1, wherein the firstcross-sectional shape is oblong.
 4. A package according to claim 1,wherein the second cross-sectional shape is oblong.
 5. A packageaccording to claim 1, wherein the first cross-sectional shape issymmetrical.
 6. A package according to claim 1, wherein the secondcross-sectional shape is symmetrical.
 7. A package according to claim 1,wherein the first cross-sectional shape is asymmetrical.
 8. A packageaccording to claim 1, wherein the second cross-sectional shape isasymmetrical.
 9. A package according to claim 1, wherein the firstcross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape are invertical alignment.
 10. A package according to claim 1, wherein thefirst cross-sectional shape and the second cross-sectional shape are notin vertical alignment.
 11. A package according to claim 1, wherein theskin-contacting portion is designed to fit between a user's nose andupper lip.
 12. A package according to claim 1, wherein the minordimension of the skin-contacting portion is less than or equal to about0.75 inches.
 13. A package according to claim 1, wherein the minordimension of the skin-contacting portion is less than or equal to about0.5 inches.
 14. A package according to claim 1, wherein the majordimension of the skin-contacting portion is less than or equal to about1.5 inches.
 15. A package according to claim 1, wherein the packagecomprises an over-cap, the over-cap being removeably attached to thebody.
 16. A package according to claim 1, wherein the body contains ashave prep composition.
 17. A package for lathering a liquid personalcare product, the package comprising: a flexible and resilient body forgrasping with a user's hand, wherein the body comprises a horizontalplane defining a first cross-sectional shape; and an applicatorcomprising a skin-contacting portion, wherein the skin-contactingportion comprises a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectionalshape; wherein each of the first cross-sectional shape and the secondcross-sectional shape comprises a major dimension oriented along a firstaxis and a minor dimension oriented along a second axis, wherein themajor dimensions are greater than the minor dimensions, and wherein thebody is inwardly deformable along its minor dimension in order to urge avolume of a liquid personal care product from within the body to theskin-contacting portion.
 18. A package according to claim 17, whereinthe body contains a shave prep composition.
 19. A package for latheringa liquid personal care product, the package comprising: a body forgrasping with a user's hand, wherein the body comprises a body cavityand a horizontal plane defining a first cross-sectional shape; aflexible bag, wherein the flexible bag is fillable with a liquidpersonal care product, and wherein the flexible bag fits within the bodycavity; an applicator comprising a skin-contacting portion, wherein theskin-contacting portion comprises a horizontal plane defining a secondcross-sectional shape; and a displacement member associated with thebody that is inwardly moveable in order to urge a volume of a liquidpersonal care product from within the flexible bag to theskin-contacting portion; wherein each of the first cross-sectional shapeand the second cross-sectional shape comprises a major dimensionoriented along a first axis and a minor dimension oriented along asecond axis, and wherein the major dimensions are greater than the minordimensions.
 20. A package according to claim 19, wherein the bodycomprises a sidewall, and wherein the displacement member is thesidewall, wherein the sidewall is flexible, resilient, and deformablealong the body's second axis.
 21. A package according to claim 19,wherein the body comprises a bottom, and wherein the displacement memberis a piston that is vertically moveable upward from the bottom.
 22. Apackage according to claim 19, wherein the displacement member is atrigger.
 23. A package according to claim 19, wherein the body containsa shave prep composition.
 24. A package for lathering a liquid personalcare product, the package comprising: a body for grasping with a user'shand, wherein the body comprises a horizontal plane defining a firstcross-sectional shape, and wherein the body further comprises an outletfor dispensing a liquid personal care product; and an applicatorcomprising a skin-contacting portion, wherein the skin-contactingportion comprises a horizontal plane defining a second cross-sectionalshape, and wherein the applicator is in fluid communication with thebody outlet; wherein each of the first cross-sectional shape and thesecond cross-sectional shape comprises a major dimension oriented alonga first axis and a minor dimension oriented along a second axis, whereinthe major dimensions are greater than the minor dimensions, wherein thefirst cross-sectional shape orientationally corresponds to the secondcross-sectional shape so that as the body is manipulated by a user'shand, a user can be assured that the skin-contacting portion is orientedas intended on the skin.